Bystander Intervention to stop anti-Asian/American and xenophobic

Good2Qi
Apr 9, 2020
2 min read

Hollaback!’s 5D’s of bystander intervention methodology.

Distract: Start a conversation with the target or find another way to draw attention away from them. Ask them for directions or the time, or drop something.

Delegate: SAY: "Excuse me! This person is being harassed. Can you help?" Find someone in a position of authority—like a bus driver, flight attendant, security guard, teacher, or store manager—and ask them for help. Check in with the person being harassed. You can ask them if they want you to call the police.

Document: Is anyone helping the person being harassed? If no, use one of the other 4 Ds to help them.

TIPS FOR DOCUMENTING PUBLIC HARASSMENT • Keep a safe distance. • Film street signs or other landmarks that help identify the location. • Say the day and time. ALWAYS ask the person targeted what they want to do with the footage.
NEVER post it online or use it without their permission. Keep your attention on the person being harassed— make sure anything you do is focused on supporting them.

Delay: SAY: "Are you okay?" You can also say: “Can I sit with you? Can I accompany you somewhere? What do you need?”

Direct: SAY: "That’s inappropriate. Leave them alone." You can also talk to the person being harassed about what’s going on. Ask: “Are you okay? Should I get help? Should we get out of here?”